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Who are we and what do we do?
The Texas Beach Watch program, administered by the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitors water quality at selected recreational beaches in Aransas, Brazoria, Cameron, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, Matagorda, Nueces, and San Patricio counties. During peak season (May-September) weekly water samples are collected (and in March for spring break) with biweekly sampling the rest of the year. When Enterococcus bacteria levels exceed EPA standards, the GLO coordinates with local governments to post advisory signs at beach access points warning against swimming. Water quality data are updated on the Texas Beach Watch website as results enter the database ensuring the public has timely information about beach safety.
How Are Texas Beaches Tested for Bacteria?
Which beaches do we monitor?
Under contract with the GLO since 2004, the Coastal Studies Lab monitors 21 sites on South Padre Island and 6 sites at Boca Chica beach on a weekly basis during peak beach seasons and on a biweekly basis during the rest of the year.
Water Quality Information
The water quality conditions at beaches being sampled under the Texas Beach Watch Program can be obtained through the interactive map found at www.TexasBeachWatch.com. The water quality information on the Texas Beach Watch site is updated each time sample results are entered into the database. Units of local government post advisory signs provided by the GLO at beach access points where the water quality exceeds acceptable bacterial levels.